The Power of Introverts

[Jemima]

I've been reading a lot about this new book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain and came across this interview in "Scientific American" on line. As an introvert myself, I'm finding all of this quite interesting:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/ar...rts&print=true

[Mrs-M]

Very interesting/fascinating. I especially liked this.

Cain: Many introverts feel there’s something wrong with them, and try to pass as extroverts. But whenever you try to pass as something you’re not, you lose a part of yourself along the way.

I don't, and have never attempted to pass as an extrovert (at any point or time in my life), however, Cain's words, really encapsulate what I've always known.

Even what little of the book was summarized, it's invigorated me to want more. Thank you, Jemima, for realizing this thread.

[pinkytoe]

This book is my library queue. I recall an interview I read with Sidney Poitier wherein he admitted to himself in later life that he was a quiet man by nature. He had no need or use for crowds or socializing and finally came to terms with that. He said "that is who I am". That really stuck with me as I am the same way and have often "felt bad" about it but it is the way I am and that's just the way it is. It would be so much healthier if we all accepted our personalities and quit trying to fit the extrovert mold that is held in such high praise.

[AmeliaJane]

I am looking forward to reading it! The library has it on hold for me also... Interestingly, my department is very heavy on introverts and I think it would be good for us to have an extrovert or two in the mix. Not that anyone is bad at dealing with people, but it would be nice to have someone who gets energized by that aspect of the job.

[razz]

Neat article!

[Gregg]

This is the first I've heard of the book, but as an introvert myself I'm curious to read it. Thanks for the heads up Jemima!

[Jemima]

Very interesting/fascinating. I especially liked this.

Cain: Many introverts feel there’s something wrong with them, and try to pass as extroverts. But whenever you try to pass as something you’re not, you lose a part of yourself along the way.

I don't, and have never attempted to pass as an extrovert (at any point or time in my life), however, Cain's words, really encapsulate what I've always known.

Even what little of the book was summarized, it's invigorated me to want more. Thank you, Jemima, for realizing this thread.

Ah, but you've always been a homemaker. I had to fake it for years in my jobs.

It *is* stressful, and I've always wanted to spit on people who remark, "You're so quiet!" as if there's something wrong with me. Should I have run at the mouth like some of my coworkers who wouldn't shut up long enough to do any work? Did my silence make people nervous as to what I was thinking about them (rightly so in many instances)? Would they rather have heard the truth? I think not.

Can you imagine Einstein knocking down a few beers and talking football with the guys? Mother Theresa swapping recipes and fashion tips? Not that I compare with either, but you get the idea.

[JaneV2.0]

I've never felt there was anything wrong with me because I'm a solitary sort. But the world isn't organized around our kind, so most of us are forced to grit our teeth and get along. One of my young relatives was fired because they didn't eat lunch with their crew. In the military, their CO remarked he had never had a recruit who read so much. My father went to law school and clerked for my grandfather before he threw in the towel. He hated public speaking and he hated arguing even more. It's in the genes.

[gimmethesimplelife]

I've never felt there was anything wrong with me because I'm a solitary sort. But the world isn't organized around our kind, so most of us are forced to grit our teeth and get along. One of my young relatives was fired because they didn't eat lunch with their crew. In the military, their CO remarked he had never had a recruit who read so much. My father went to law school and clerked for my grandfather before he threw in the towel. He hated public speaking and he hated arguing even more. It's in the genes.

Isn't it just unreal that a work crew would expect you to eat with them and you could be fired for not doing this? As an introvert, I just don't get this. People I work with are very rarely friends, they are co-workers, and to me this is a whole other category. A whole other category seperate from friends, that is. Rob

[JaneV2.0]

I thought it was unreal. Maybe they were preoccupied with the specter of a scary loner "going postal."

I almost always took breaks by myself when I worked. A steady diet of chatter exhausts me.